Prop B: Bad law, bad values

Many Solana Beach residents are asking, “Why so much controversy over a community center?” The answer is simple: This is about more than a community center; it’s about our community values!

Our city stands for preserving community character, balancing diverse needs within our neighborhoods, and acting with honesty, integrity and transparency. It is disturbing that we need to spend $200,000 on a special election, but more troubling are the false and misleading actions taken by a few residents who forced the expenditure and cast blame on others.

Our values define who we are.

The current compromise policy that permits private parties at FCCC is not perfect; however, it thoughtfully balances the interests of the neighborhood with those who would like to have larger, louder and more frequent parties. It is a “living” policy, one that — unlike the permanence of Prop B’s provisions — is changeable and flexible. The takeaway is the underlying community value: Our residents will not let any neighborhood be overrun by the interests of others.

Our values run deep.

The Prop B campaign is funded entirely by a single person who has employed professional campaign consultants and out-of-area lawyers to wage battle. Some in this individual’s group were among those who spent a lot of money to back a slate of candidates in the last election, and the slate was unsuccessful. Using the FCCC issue, those interests have now seized the opportunity to malign the city and council, and position themselves for the November 2014 election. Meanwhile, FCCC’s neighbors are pawns in this game.

Our values will be tested, but they will endure.

Unlike the Prop B campaign, the “No on Prop B” effort has received mostly small contributions from residents living in neighborhoods throughout Solana Beach. Although they are being outspent 5 to 1, the “No” campaign’s values-based message reaches our hearts and minds.

Our values are powerful.

When it comes to what’s really important — the values our community lives by — Prop B fails in all respects. It runs roughshod over community character, fails to address the concerns of those that live in and visit the Fletcher Cove area, and makes a mockery of honesty, integrity and transparency. I ask you to join me in voting “No” on Prop B.